Saturday, April 9, 2011

Did you know that the Jaragua Sphaero, also known as the Dwarf Gecko, is perhaps the smallest bird, mammal, or reptile ever discovered! As you can see from the picture, the Jaragua Saphaero can comfortably curl up on a coin!

These tiny little guys were discovered in the Dominican Republic by biologists Blair Hedges and Richard Thomas in 2001. They are only found in Jaragua National Park. The Jaragua Saphaero lives in relatively dry areas, but ones that also have moist leaves so that they don't dehydrate.

The species name, ariasae, is in honor of Yvonna Arias, who is the leader of Grupo Jaragua, a Dominican conservation organization. The Jaragua Sphaero and many other island species are under threat due to habitat loss. Conservation organizations are working hard to keep these species safe.